How To Dispose Of Cooking Oil The Right Way!

How to Dispose of Oil Cooking in 7 Steps?

Learning how to dispose of cooking oil is essential for every Australian household. Used household cooking oil is one of the most common household and commercial waste products in Australia. Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of the correct disposal methods, leading to widespread plumbing problems and environmental damage.

Whether you’re an avid home cook or just enjoy the occasional deep-fried treat, knowing what to do with leftover oil can prevent serious plumbing issues and help protect our environment. This guide aims to dispel misinformation and provide you with easy-to-follow solutions for dealing with your used oil responsibly.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is general in nature and intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional plumbing advice or services. Please do not attempt any actions that may cause harm to yourself, others, or your property. If you’re experiencing issues with your sink or drains, contact our team on 0450 884 224 for professional assistance.

Why Proper Cooking Oil Disposal Matters?

The Risks of Pouring Oil Down the Drain

You must have seen the news reports warning about “fatbergs” – those massive, disgusting agglomerations of waste growing steadily underneath many beaches in Sydney. These monstrous formations occur when cooking oil enters the sewer system and undergoes saponification, essentially turning into soap that combines with non-biodegradable waste like wet wipes to create solid blockages.

While you might think that the quarter cup of bacon fat you’ve poured down your sink can hardly make a difference compared to commercial kitchens, there’s another more personal reason to avoid this practice: cooking fats will lead to plumbing disasters. Over time, liquid oil hardens in pipes, creating blockages that prevent water and cleaning products from flowing through, resulting in costly repairs that could have been easily avoided.

Beyond your home’s plumbing, oil incorrectly pouring into drainage systems has devastating effects on our environment and remains particularly harmful to our ecosystems. When cooking oil enters our waterways, it creates a surface coating that blocks the flow of water and oxygen, severely impacting marine, aquatic, and wildlife. By simply taking care of how we handle used cooking oil, we can all play a part in reducing this environmental harm.

Don’t Let Oil Become a Drain Disaster

Has your kitchen drain already fallen victim to oil buildup? Our blocked drain specialists can clear the problem and get your kitchen flowing freely again. Contact us today for expert assistance – 0450 884 224

Options for Handling Old or Used Cooking Oil

Reusing Cooking Oil Safely

If you’ve been deep-frying, you’ll be pleased to know that oil can be disposed of in several ways, but reusing it first is often the most economical option. You can typically reuse oil several times before disposal, depending on what you’ve cooked.

Consider the flavour or smell of the oil you’ve just used. If you’ve been deep-frying something particularly fragrant, like fish or food coated with a strong marinade, you probably shouldn’t reuse it. However, oil used for lightly frying coated chicken, vegetarian items, or tempura can typically be reused.

To clean your oil for reuse:

1. Place a strainer lined with kitchen paper or coffee filter over a large bowl or pot
2. Wait until the oil has cooled enough to be just warm and not dangerous
3. Using a ladle, scoop oil from the top where it’s cleanest – the particles from frying should have settled on the bottom
4. Store your clean oil in a container with a tight lid, labelled with the current date

Check the colour of your strained oil – if it’s quite light, you could probably use it a couple more times for similar recipes. But if it looks very dark or has a rancid smell, it’s time to recycle or dispose of it.

Recycling Cooking Oil in Australia

Recycling the oil ensures it becomes part of a sustainable waste management system rather than ending up in landfills or waterways. This is the most environmentally friendly option, as cooking oils can be filtered and recycled into many useful products.

To recycle my old cooking oil:

1. Simply collect used oil in a sealable, non-breakable container once cooled.
2. Use the page recyclingnearyou.com.au to locate nearby oil recycling points.
3. Put oil in an appropriate container and drop it off at a recycler that accepts oil.

What Happens to the Oil When I Recycle It?

You might wonder. The answer is that it gets transformed into valuable resources like biodiesel, detergents, and cosmetics rather than becoming waste. The reused cooking oil helps reduce our carbon footprint and supports the circular economy.

Local facilities like the Camden Community Recycling Centre, Liverpool Community Recycling Centre, or Randwick City Council Matraville Recycling Centre offer accessible options for oil disposal. Used oil can be recycled through your local waste transfer station facilities in most areas.

Properly Disposing of Oil in the Bin

If recycling options aren’t available near you, you’ll need to dispose of the oil in your household bin. But never discharge oil directly into your bin! Here’s how to properly dispose of it:

1. Wait for the oil to cool completely
2. Pour it into a sealed, airtight metal or plastic container to ensure no leaks
3. Secure the container and safely move it to your garbage

For small amounts of cooking oil, you can mix it with absorbent materials like sand, sawdust, or cat litter to soak up the liquid waste before disposing. Another option for very small amounts is to mix vegetable oil products with your garden composts or bird seed, as it’s considered an organic material.

Commercial kitchens, cafes, and restaurants dealing with large quantities of oil should work with a waste disposal company. Businesses can access oil stream management services that provide supply, storage, collection, and recycling services, ensuring compliance and responsible liquid waste disposal. If you need urgent assistance, consider reaching out to commercial plumbing professionals.

Dispose Of Cooking Oil in 7 Simple Steps

Step 1: Let the Oil Cool Down

After cooking, always allow your old or used cooking oil to cool completely before handling. Working with hot oil is extremely dangerous and can cause severe burns. For smaller amounts, let the pan sit at room temperature for about an hour.

For larger quantities from deep frying, you may need to wait several hours. Never add hot oil to any plastic container as it may melt, and never rush this step by adding cold water to hot oil, as this can cause dangerous splattering. Patient cooling prevents accidents and container damage while giving you time to prepare for the next steps in proper disposal.

Step 2: Assess the Oil’s Condition

Carefully examine the oil you use to determine whether it can be reused or needs disposal. Look for changes in colour, clarity, and viscosity compared to fresh oil. Smell it to check for any rancid or “off” odours that indicate degradation. If you’ve used the oil for cooking oil at work or home-based deep frying, it might still be usable if it appears relatively clear and smells normal.

However, if you notice it’s significantly darker, contains visible food particles, smokes at lower temperatures than before, foams excessively, or smells unpleasant, it’s time for disposal. Remember, the oil used for fish or strongly spiced foods typically absorbs those flavours and should not be reused.

Step 3: Strain Reusable Oil (If Applicable)

For oil, you plan to reuse:

1. Place a strainer over a clean container
2. Line the strainer with kitchen paper or a coffee filter
3. Carefully pour the oil through to remove food particles
4. This process prevents residue from turning your oil rancid

Step 4: Store Reusable Oil Properly

For oil worth saving, proper storage is crucial. Transfer your strained oil into a clean, dry glass container with a tight-fitting lid – never store it in its original packaging once opened. Label the container clearly with the date and type of oil, and note what foods were cooked in it if relevant. Store in a cool, dark place or refrigerate to prevent rancidity.

Never mix different types of old or used cooking oils together, as they have different smoke points and flavour profiles. When stored properly, most cooking oils can be reused 3-4 times for similar foods, though this varies based on what you’ve cooked. Quality deteriorates with each use, so monitor closely.

Wastewater Worries? We’ve Got Solutions

Improper cooking oil disposal doesn’t just affect your immediate plumbing – it can impact your entire wastewater system. Our wastewater and sewer line experts can assess your system’s health and ensure everything is flowing properly, protecting both your home and the environment. Contact us today  – 0450 884 224

Step 5: Prepare Oil for Disposal or Recycling

When your oil is no longer suitable for cooking, prepare it for responsible disposal. Allow the cooking oil to cool completely, then carefully transfer it into a sturdy, sealable container that won’t leak. Old plastic bottles, glass jars with tight lids, or dedicated oil containers work well for this purpose. Never attempt to discharge oil directly from your cooking pan into your recycling bin at home or in a trash can, as this creates a messy, environmentally harmful situation.

Small amounts of vegetable-based cooking oils can be disposed of in garden compost in limited quantities, mixing it with plenty of dry, carbon-rich materials. Larger amounts should be saved for proper recycling or sealed disposal.

Step 6: Find a Liquid Waste Recycling Point or Use the Bin

Research local options to recycle cooking oil in your area. Many communities have used cooking oil collection points at recycling centres, where the cooking oil is processed into biodiesel or other useful products. Use online resources to locate your nearest used oil recycling facility – services can help you find your nearest used oil facility.

If recycling isn’t available, never put in your recycling bin what should go into general waste. Seal the oil container tightly and place it in your regular household trash. Never dispose of cooking oil by pouring it down drains or toilets, as this leads to serious plumbing blockages and environmental contamination of waterways. 

Step 7: Clean Up Any Spills

Even with careful handling, oil spills can happen. Address them immediately to prevent slipping hazards and permanent stains. For spills on countertops or floors, first contain the spread with paper towels around the edges, then cover the spill with absorbent materials like flour, salt, baking soda, or commercial oil absorbents. These materials soak up the oil, making it easier to clean.

After absorbing the bulk of the spill, clean the area with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Never use harsh chemicals that might damage surfaces or create harmful reactions with the oil. Proper cleanup prevents slip-and-fall accidents and ensures oil is disposed of incorrectly by pouring it where it doesn’t belong. It doesn’t damage your home or the environment and remains part of a responsible disposal process.

Consider reaching out to emergency blocked drain specialists in case of urgent situations.

Keep Your Kitchen Plumbing Oil-Free

From sink drains to garbage disposals, our kitchen plumbing specialists can help maintain your system and provide expert advice on preventing future problems. Call us now  – 0450 884 224

Fry Smart, Dispose Smarter

Managing the cooking oil you use responsibly is simpler than you might think. Whether you choose to reuse, recycle, or dispose of it in your household bin, these methods help protect both your home’s plumbing and our precious environment.

By making conscious choices about how we handle our household cooking oil waste, we all contribute to a healthier environment. Proper recycled oil can be transformed into products such as bio-fuel, cosmetics, detergents, and stock feed, ensuring it’s not wasted and remains part of the circular economy.

Next time you’re finished with your deep frying or cooking session, think twice before pouring oil down drains and sinks. A little effort in proper disposal goes a long way in preventing plumbing and environmental problems. By following these simple steps, you’re not just protecting your own home from expensive repairs – you’re helping to keep our waterways clean and our wildlife safe for generations to come.